Paul Gascoigne In Intensive Care After Rehab Reaction

Former England soccer star Paul Gascoigne has been receiving treatment in intensive care in the United States.

The 45-year-old went to a clinic to help his battle against alcohol addiction but was taken ill and needed hospital care.

His former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Gary Mabbutt told Sky Sports News that Gascoigne had a bad reaction to a detox treatment at a clinic in Arizona and had been admitted to hospital for observation, but the indications were he was recovering and would soon be well enough to return to the clinic.

Mabbutt said: "Unfortunately over the last few weeks Paul has had a relapse, which culminated finally, last Monday, in Paul asking for help.

"By Monday afternoon he was on a plane out to Arizona to a clinic specialising in dealing with Paul's specific problems. The first thing he underwent was a detox, unfortunately Paul had a very bad reaction to the detox and the clinic decided that as a precaution it was best to transfer him to hospital.

"He was transferred to hospital in intensive care where they could monitor him 24-7. But I spoke to Paul's medical team in the UK this morning, they had spoken to Paul and he's recovering and hopefully soon he will be back into the clinic to continue his rehab.

"Over the years he has had a lot of support from the football family, but of course it could be a long road to recovery. Now Paul's asked for the help we can focus on getting through this."

Gascoigne's former England and Tottenham team-mate Gary Lineker tweeted this morning: "Gazza is struggling, Let's hope he can hang on in there. Others have generously offered help. #GetwellGazza."

TalkSPORT presenter and former England cricketer Ronnie Irani and Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, a long-term friend of Gascoigne, organised his flight to the centre in Phoenix.

Paul Gascoigne relapsed over the past few weeks

The move came following a charity appearance in Northampton during which the former Tottenham, Lazio and Newcastle United star appeared unwell and shaking, before breaking down and sobbing on stage in front of a room full of fans.

Irani said last week: "I had a chat with Chris Evans and he just asked how we could help him.

"We knew we just had to get him on this flight, out to the priory in Phoenix, we just had to get him on the plane.

"I called British Airways and explained the situation, that we had to get him out to Phoenix to get him some help. He needs it, and if not, who knows what's going to happen?"

The world of football has shown its concern at the latest troubled period in the life of Gascoigne, one of England's most naturally gifted players ever.

Gascoigne, who has spoken about alcoholism problems in the past, was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act.